Azerbaijani FM, US diplomat discuss regional security issues PHOTO

On September 19, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, as part of his participation in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, met with Acting Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim.

At the meeting the main topic of discussion was the situation in the region, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Caliber.Az.

Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that the presence of the Armenian armed forces on the territory of Azerbaijan and the ongoing military-political provocations of Armenia are the main threat to peace and security in the region. It was stated that the lack of calls for the withdrawal of these forces from international partners, including the United States, has led to the fact that the Armenian side has recently intensified provocations.

Bayramov noted that in recent days, military provocations from Armenia and the illegal regime it created in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan have especially intensified, and a strengthening of their military positions has also been observed. The minister emphasized that on September 19, as a result of the explosion of mines laid by reconnaissance and sabotage groups of illegal Armenian armed groups, 6 people were killed, and 6 more people were seriously injured.

He said that the local anti-terrorist measures have been launched in the region in order to ensure the provisions of the Tripartite Statement, suppress large-scale provocations, disarmament and withdrawal of formations of the Armenian armed forces from the Azerbaijani territories, as well as restore the constitutional system of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It was emphasized that the civilian population and civilian infrastructure are not targets, only legitimate military targets are being disabled. Bayramov noted the need for the unconditional and complete withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, the dissolution of the so-called regime, the decisive condemnation and suppression of military provocations and terrorist acts committed.

Regarding the accusations of a “blockade” and a “humanitarian crisis” in the region, Bayramov said that these allegations have no basis and are political manipulation directed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Bayramov added that despite reaching an agreement on the parallel use of roads during negotiations with the European Union and the United States, these agreements were not respected. On 18 September, two ICRC vehicles were allowed to pass simultaneously on the Aghdam-Khankendi road and on the Lachin-Khankendi road, proving that the “blockade” accusations were in fact fictitious.